When purchasing CBD products, customers are faced with several decisions that will shape their enjoyment and the effectiveness of their CBD experience.
The type of product, for instance, oils, edibles, capsules, is the first choice and probably the most important for usability. Secondly, the dosage is critical; this is the amount of CBD contained within a product. The best CBD oils are often sold in a variety of different strength options, giving you plenty of flexibility.
Many people do not realize that there is also a third choice; the type of CBD with a product. Often CBD is marketed as simply being CBD, implying that there is just one type. However, this is not the case; there are three different types of CBD to choose from.
Full-spectrum CBD oils are perhaps the most popular option and one of the easiest to find. What exactly does the term full-spectrum mean, and why is the type of CBD even necessary?
Where Does CBD Come From?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is just one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in hemp plants’ flowers, leaves, and stems. Every hemp plant strain contains a slightly different ratio of these compounds. In most cases, CBD occurs in much higher quantities than other cannabinoids.
CBD, along with all other cannabinoids and terpenes in hemp plants, can be extracted and used to make CBD powders and oils. These concentrated forms of CBD are then manufactured into a range of products, including tinctures, capsules, edibles, and topicals.
What Does ‘Full-Spectrum’ Mean?
As the name suggests, full-spectrum CBD contains a full range of plant compounds, including the cannabinoids and terpenes that naturally occur within hemp plants. During the extraction and manufacturing of full-spectrum CBD products, minimal filtration takes place. The result is that all cannabinoids and terpenes remain in the final product.
Full-spectrum CBD oils tend to be slightly more potent in terms of their aroma and flavor profile as a result of these different compounds remaining. Terpenes are the prominent flavor and aroma contributor. Each hemp plant strain contains a slightly different blend of terpenes, which is why the strains’ profile can vary so greatly.
What Other Types of CBD Exist?
Full-spectrum is not the only type of CBD; it is also possible to find broad-spectrum and isolate CBD products. These terms refer to the range of plant compounds that remain in the final product.
CBD isolate only contains the cannabinoid CBD. Intensive filtration and lab testing are used to ensure that all other terpenes, cannabinoids, and other plant particulate have been removed.
Some people prefer CBD isolate products as it is easier to keep track of exactly which cannabinoids are being consumed. Isolate products can also be helpful for people who make their own CBD topicals and oils using other terpene bends.
Broad-spectrum CBD is the other term commonly used to describe the type of CBD within a product. Broad-spectrum CBD contains most of the cannabinoids and terpenes found in hemp plants. However, THC is removed.
What Are the Benefits of Full-Spectrum CBD?
There are a few benefits to choosing full-spectrum CBD oils, although there is no conclusive answer as to whether they are better than the other available CBD types. Each one is thought to have its pros and cons, and the best option depends very much on personal preferences.
The main advantage of full-spectrum CBD is believed to be its ability to trigger the entourage effect. This theory suggests that different cannabinoids work together within the body, providing more noticeable effects than when CBD is used on its own. The entourage effect that occurs with full-spectrum CBD is thought to be particularly useful when treating mood disorders.
Another benefit of full-spectrum CBD oils is that they tend to have a more robust flavor profile making them more suitable for use without additional flavorings. While the flavor profile of CBD oil is not essential for its long-term effects, it can help make it more enjoyable in the short term. Oils with a pleasing flavor are much more likely to be used regularly and, in turn, produce better effects.
Research is ongoing as to other potential differences between types of CBD and how they interact within the body. The general advice is to try both full-spectrum and isolate products and see what works best for the individual as everyone reacts differently to different products.